California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Is a Collaborative Effort Between the California Department of Insurance, the Insurance Industry, Community Affordable Housing and Economic Development Organizations, and Community Advocates.

The Investigation Division investigates suspected fraud committed by insurance agents, brokers, public adjusters, bail agents, insurance companies and other individuals and entities transacting the business of insurance who perpetrate fraud against consumers.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today strongly urged California insurance companies to examine their investment portfolios and invest in a state program benefitting underserved communities. In a letter to company CEOs, Jones pushed for insurers to place a portion of the $4 trillion in investments they hold into the California Organized Investment Network (COIN), administered by the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

"This is a critical program that benefits some of California's most underserved communities, and so I want to encourage insurance companies to give back by investing in these communities," Commissioner Jones said. "The state tax credit to encourage these investments has been underutilized in recent years, and it is long overdue that we get this program back on track. I call on all California insurers to examine their investment portfolios and invest in this program before June 30."

Each year, the California Department of Insurance allocates $2 million in tax credits to support $10 million in community development investments. Because this program has been underutilized in recent years, CDI's COIN currently has $4.67 million in tax credits available to support $23.7 million in community development investments. Insurers have an exclusive window until July 1, 2011 to place investments in the program. After that date, the program is open to other investors as well.

Under the program, investors place a minimum of $50,000 on deposit with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for 60 months at zero percent interest. In exchange, the investor receives a 20% state tax credit, with an approximately 4.5% annual percentage rate of return.

The CDFIs then provide loans to small businesses and non-profits that serve economically disadvantaged communities. CDFIs help bridge the growing gap between the loans and services available to the economic mainstream and those offered to low-income people and communities. They provide access to credit in economically disadvantaged communities by providing development services or technical assistance along with the loans and investments they make.

These CDFIs include community development loan funds, credit unions, banks, microenterprise funds, corporation-based lenders and venture funds. There are 81 CDFIs certified by COIN and eligible to participate in the tax-credit program. Through the CDFI Tax Credit Program these CDFIs have invested more than $100 million into some of California's most under-served communities from 1997 through 2009. In the recent past, CDFIs across the state have made notable investments, including:

• A loan to a church to build a child care center for lower income residents;

• A loan for 953 water hook-ups in two small, rural communities; and

• A short-term loan to close escrow on housing for low-income foster youth.

"Strengthening our local communities is a wonderful way to give back to California," Commissioner Jones said. "I encourage investors and community development organizations to make use of this special incentive promoting progress and prosperity for California's economically disadvantaged families."

To learn more about COIN and how to participate, visit www.insurance.ca.gov/coin or call (916) 492-3525.

The California Department of Insurance, established in 1868, is the largest consumer protection agency in California. Insurers collect $288 billion in premiums annually in California. In 2015 the California Department of Insurance received more than 155,000 calls from consumers and helped recover over $84 million in claims and premiums. Please visit the Department of Insurance web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP or 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.